National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The Natcher Building, Suite 6AN32 45 Center Drive MSC 6600 Bethesda, MD 20892-6600

66 -- 66-THE MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (MRC)-1000 CONFOCAL IMAGING SYSTEM UPGRADE SOL NIH-NIDDK-95-11 DUE 060195 POC LIVIE V. SPEARMAN, III., Contract Specialist, (301) 594 - 8855. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) intends to contract on a sole source basis with BIO RAD LABORATORIES Eastern Regional Office 85A Marcus Drive Melville, New York 11747. BIO RAD LABORATORIES is the only manufacturer of The Medical Research Council (MRC)-1000 Confocal Imaging System Upgrade with two (2) fluorescence channels, including High Sensitivity Photomultiplier Tubes; Microscope Adapter; Complete Triple Labeling Filter Set, including the Triple Dichroic Set (T1/T2A), Polarizing Beamsplitter (B1) and Open Block; New Transmission Detector (Photodiode forming and additional independent channel); Fiber Optics Laser Launch System (existing laser will be used); System Controller; New Focus Motor; Latest release of BIO RAD Confocal Microscope Operating System (CoMos); and Installation and a Full One (1) Year Warranty. The NIH believes the proposed contractor is the only source available as it is uniquely qualified to provide the subject instrument. We are requesting the BIO RAD Medical Research Council (MRC)-1000 Confocal Laser Imaging System Upgrade to update our existing BIO RAD 600 Confocal Imaging System which is used for image analysis of biological specimens with fluorescence microscopy. The Medical Research Council (MRC)-1000 Confocal Laser Imaging System Upgrade has the following critical advances over our present Confocal Imaging System; 1). The Medical Research Council (MRC)-1000 increases sensitivity of confocal imaging two-fold by: a). new photomultiplier tube design b). a redesigned laser path layout that improves signal to noise ratio c). delivery of light via fiber optics which removes laser fan vibration from the system d). redesigned electronics that gives each fluorescence channel its own independent system thereby eliminating crosstalk between channels. e). storing all electronics in a control box remote from the scanhead which keeps the scanhead cooler, substantially lowering the dark current of the photomultiplier tube and improving the signal to noise ratio. 2). The Medical Research Council (MRC)-1000 provides advances in control of the laser system by computerized, rather than manual setting of: a). filter wheels of excitation, emission and neutral density. b). the photomultiplier tube gain & black level c). the macro sized aperture for each fluorescence channel Each of the above settings for producing a confocal image are optimized through the computer program and are recorded with the image. This provides the researcher with a way of defining experiments, saving the settings to a single icon and later processing them. The pre-programmed settings for imaging individual dyes and dye combinations allows the user to choose an icon for a particular dye and all the filters are automatically put into place within seconds. Since all of the system parameters are saved with the image file they can be accessed at a later date, analyzed and the image sent to the printer with that information. The upgrade includes the return (trade-in) of the following Medical Research Council (MRC)-600 Components: A). Scanhead including Photomultiplier Tubes B). Laser Bracket C). Transmission Accessory D). Junction box (or System Support Unit) E). Complete Set of Filter Cubes F). Focus Motor G). Microscope Adapter This is not a formal solicitation however, concerns that respond should furnish detailed data concerning their capabilitites demonstrating the offeror ability to provide the equipment needed. This notice may represent the only official notice of such a solicitation (See Note 22). See Numbered Note(s): 22. (0116)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0387 19950427\66-0012.SOL)